A Mystery of Heroism
The narrative unfolds during a chaotic battle, focusing on Fred Collins, a private in the infantry. The soldiers are entrenched, surrounded by the sounds and sights of war, with artillery fire and the aftermath of destruction evident around them. Collins expresses a desperate thirst, prompting a discussion among his comrades about the possibility of fetching water from a nearby well, which is situated in a meadow now ravaged by shellfire. Despite the danger, Collins decides to venture out for water, driven by a mix of thirst and the desire to prove himself to his fellow soldiers. His journey across the meadow is fraught with peril, as shells explode around him, and he grapples with his own fear and the expectations of heroism. As he approaches the well, he experiences a moment of existential reflection, questioning the nature of bravery and his own worthiness of the label "hero." Upon reaching the well, Collins struggles to fill his canteen, feeling the weight of the situation and the looming threat of death. He manages to fill a bucket with water and begins his return, running with a sense of dread, anticipating the moment he might be struck down. During his frantic run, he encounters a wounded artillery officer who pleads for water. In a moment of compassion, Collins returns to help the officer, despite the risk to his own life. Collins successfully brings the water back to his regiment, where he is met with cheers and laughter, but the moment is undercut by the realization that the bucket is empty. The story explores themes of courage, the absurdity of war, and the complex nature of heroism, ultimately revealing that acts of bravery can be intertwined with fear and vulnerability. Collins's journey serves as a microcosm of the larger chaos of battle, highlighting the human experience amidst the horrors of war.
By Stephen Crane · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Realism · 4,017 words
First lines
The dark uniforms of the men were so coated with dust from the incessant wrestling of the two armies that the regiment almost seemed a part of the clay bank which shielded them from the shells. On the top of the hill a battery was arguing in tremendous roars with some other guns, and to the eye of the infantry, the artillerymen, the guns, the caissons, the horses, were distinctly outlined upon the blue sky. When a piece was fired, a red streak as round as a log flashed low in the heavens, like a monstrous bolt of lightning. The men of the battery wore white duck trousers, which somehow emphasised their legs: and when they ran and crowded in little groups at the bidding of the shouting officers, it was more impressive than usual to the infantry.
What this Textopian page supports
A Mystery of Heroism is listed on Textopian as a short story by Stephen Crane, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Stephen Crane
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, War Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Short Story
- Length: 4,017 words
- Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Mystery of Heroism by Stephen Crane
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Mystery of Heroism?
- How does this short story by Stephen Crane fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Upturned Face by Stephen Crane
- The End Of The Battle by Stephen Crane
- A Man And Some Others by Stephen Crane
- The Fight by Stephen Crane
- The Men In The Storm by Stephen Crane
- Horses by Stephen Crane
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of heroism, identity, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- War Fiction — The story is set during a battle and focuses on the experiences of soldiers, making it a significant work within the war fiction genre.
- Realism — The detailed depiction of the battlefield and the psychological state of the characters aligns with the principles of realism.
- Psychological Fiction — The internal conflict and emotional turmoil of the protagonist highlight psychological themes.
Tags
war · courage · heroism · fear · conflict · realism · naturalism · humanity · bravery · sacrifice · battlefield · psychology